Local, state agencies pause J&J COVID-19 vaccine clinics

The Panhandle Health District announced Tuesday it will be pausing all of its Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine clinics "until we receive further guidance from the CDC and FDA.

"The CDC and FDA are recommending a pause in the use of this vaccine out of an abundance of caution. We apologize for any inconvenience and we will make an announcement once we learn more," PHD said in a Facebook post.

The U.S. on Tuesday recommended a “pause” in using the single-dose Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine to investigate reports of rare but potentially dangerous blood clots, the Associated Press reported.

The Coeur d'Alene Fire Department also announced it is "pausing all of our Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 in home vaccines until we receive further guidance from the Panhandle Health District."

The Department of Health and Welfare is also recommending that Idaho vaccine providers not use the Johnson & Johnson vaccine until more information is available from the CDC.

Almost 7 million doses of Johnson & Johnson vaccines have been administered in the U.S. In Idaho, a total of 82,500 doses have been distributed, and as of 9:30 a.m. today, 30,673 doses had been administered.

“We are monitoring it very closely until we learn more,” said Dr. Christine Hahn, an infectious disease physician and Idaho’s lead epidemiologist. “If you have a scheduled appointment to get the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, please work with your vaccine provider to postpone your appointment until we learn more or consider getting a different vaccine. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines have not had this issue reported, and we recommend that Idahoans continue with their appointments to receive these critical vaccines.”

Some flu-like symptoms immediately after getting a vaccine is normal. But people who have received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine who develop severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain, or shortness of breath within three weeks after vaccination should contact their doctor immediately.